At a very young age, Helio Gracie learned traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu techniques
from his older brother, Carlos. In the late 1920s, he began to modify these techniques
to accommodate his frail physique with the objective of developing a system that
would enable him to defend himself against larger opponents. After years of refinement,
he proved his art's effectiveness by routinely defeating larger and stronger
opponents, some of whom outweighed him by as much as 100 pounds. As a result, Helio's
techniques quickly became the new expression of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil and set the
stage for a worldwide revolution in martial arts.

Although Gracie or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective martial art on the planet,
it is a relatively young martial art. Realizing that the key to global dissemination
of pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the development of a formalized curriculum, the Gracie
Academy dedicated several years to organizing all the techniques in the most logical
sequence based on their complexity and usefulness in combat. Furthermore, we conduct
all group classes with the utmost concern for safety, and we demand that all students
treat each other respectfully regardless of skill level, gender, race, nationality,
or creed. At the Gracie Academy we don't teach people how to fight. We give people
confidence so they don't need to fight.

Gracie Combatives is the official beginner program of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. In this program, students learn the 36 most important techniques in a fun, safe, and cooperative training environment.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life. The principles of discipline, patience, efficiency, and control are the keys to success on and off the mat. Whether your a dedicated practitioner of the art or just a fan of the Gracie way, the casual wear, training gear, and accessories in the Gracie Store will remind you to keep it real at all times. With all Gracie Store purchases, your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send it back and we'll replace it or refund your money (as long as you promise not to choke us out!). Select a category below to begin browsing, and then feel free to order online or give us a call at 1-877-472-2430 (Monday - Friday, 10am to 6pm PST) and we will gladly assist you over the phone. If you have a question about the status of your order feel free to shoot us an e-mail at
store@gracieacademy.com.

John Carter

John Carter, Owner and Head Instructor, has 28 years experience in martial arts and self-defense training. He is a Certified Black-Belt Instructor in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido and a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Level 2 Instructor. Sensei Carter is a graduate of the July 2011 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Certification Program. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In January of 1997, he established Carter's Academy of Self-Defense in Columbia, SC and his school is the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Center in the state of South Carolina to be authorized by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Headquarters. His notable teaching experience includes training law enforcement officers from Richland & Lexington County Sheriff's Departments, SC Highway Patrol, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and SLED S.W.A.T. team members. In addition, Sensei Carter has over 10 years of experience working with Richland and Lexington County schools providing self-defense and anti-bullying courses. He has also worked with many women's groups and organizations in South Carolina to provide self-defense and personal protection courses, workshops and seminars. His full-time academy is headquartered in beautiful Lexington, SC where he teaches men, women and children valuable self-defense techniques in a professional, safe and non-competitive environment. He is a husband and father of three boy with values such as honor, respect, hard work and fair play found in his teaching methods.

Lauren Loftley

Lauren Loftley is an Assistant Instructor at Carter’s Academy of Self-Defense in Lexington, SC. Ms. Loftley has trained in martial arts and self- defense since 1999. She holds a 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a 1st degree Black Belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Ms. Loftley also holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jujitsu through the United States Judo Association (USJA). Ms. Loftley began training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in August 2011 under Sensei Carter at Carter’s Academy of Self-Defense and earned her blue belt in August 2013. Ms. Loftley is a graduate of the July 2014 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Certification Program from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Headquarters located in Torrance, California.
Ms. Loftley is the 2nd instructor and the 1st female in the state of South Carolina to be authorized from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Headquarters to teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at a Certified Training Center. Ms. Loftley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s Degree in French from the College of Charleston. She also has a Master’s Degree in Public Health in Health Education from the University of South Carolina. Ms. Loftley graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2006 and is currently a sworn law enforcement officer. She has experience as a road patrol officer, front line supervisor and training officer.
Ms. Loftley is currently continuing her advanced training in the Master Cycle Program and in Women Empowered classes for future certifications.